Life SciencesNeurobiologyPharmacologyApoptosisGlial BiologyRedox BiochemistryAntioxidant DefenseLipid PeroxidationNeuroprotectionOxidative Damage To BiomoleculesOxidative StressReactive Oxygen SpeciesAntioxidant PharmacologyAntioxidant TreatmentCellular Oxidative Stress ResponseCellular Response To Oxidative StressOxidative Stress InjuryOxidative Stress-induced Cell DeathReactive Oxygen Species InjuryReactive Oxygen Species-induced Apoptosis
The protective effects of rosmarinic acid (RA), a polyphenolic compound, on apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide in astrocytes were studied. Pretreating cells with RA significantly increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis rate induced by H2O2. The antiapoptotic effect of RA was further confirmed by increase of mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibition of caspase-3 activity. RA also attenuated cellular oxidative stress by decreasing the amount of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. Results clearly show that RA was able to attenuate H2O2-induced cell injury by its antiapoptotic and antioxidant activity.